In this episode of Beyond Coaching, we sit down with John Kessel, the retired Director of Sport Development at USA Volleyball. With over five decades of coaching experience and contributions spanning nearly 100 countries, John shares his enduring coaching philosophy grounded in curiosity, critical thinking, and adaptation. His unique take on "motor learning," failure, and feedback provides transformative lessons for coaches in all sports.Segment Breakdown & Timestamps00:00 – 01:20 | Introduction to John KesselRob introduces John, noting his incredible career and alignment with the podcast’s "three C's" approach to coaching.01:20 – 04:26 | Kessel's Coaching JourneyJohn outlines his unconventional path from collegiate coaching to global sport development and advocacy for coach education.04:26 – 08:46 | Learning Over AthleticsA powerful shift in mindset: why coaching is about cultivating learning, not just athleticism.08:46 – 15:00 | Motor Learning ExplainedFrom bike riding to backwards bicycles—John explains how we acquire physical skills through failure and repetition.15:00 – 23:00 | Training in RealityThe importance of realistic practice environments and the dangers of over-drilling and under-playing.23:00 – 32:28 | Effective Coaching TechniquesJohn breaks down methods to provide better feedback, foster engagement, and create "12 little assistant coaches."32:28 – 42:00 | Guided Discovery and StorytellingHow storytelling enhances retention and why asking the right questions fosters independent thinking.42:00 – 47:31 | Regression to the Mean & Coaching BiasesWhat Daniel Kahneman taught him about interpreting player performance and avoiding misleading feedback loops.47:31 – 51:32 | Rapid Fire & ClosingJohn shares favorite books, impactful failures, and his definition of success—plus a teaser for “belligerent optimism.”Key Moments & Quotes“This is a learning competition, not an athletic competition.”John’s analogy of motor learning using driving and bike riding is a standout.The story about the Israeli fighter pilot instructor and Daniel Kahneman is a must-listen moment (42:00).“Catch them doing it right” – a core tenet of Kessel’s feedback philosophy.Guided discovery and the practice of saying “and” instead of “but” to reinforce positive communication.Resources & ReferencesBison Peak Lodge – Veteran & First Responder Healing RetreatJohn Kessel’s USA Volleyball Blog - “Growing the Game Together”Changing the Game Project – John O’SullivanThinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanThe Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy GallweyBackwards Bicycle – Destin SandlinGuest Bio: John KesselJohn Kessel served as the Director of Sport Development for USA Volleyball and is one of the most respected figures in coach education. With a legacy rooted in motor learning and international impact, John continues to teach coaches around the world how to build athletes through evidence-based practices. He also runs Bison Peak Lodge, a retreat center supporting veterans and first responders.📧 Contact: [email protected] TakeawaysReal learning comes from doing, failing, and reflecting—not from repetitive drills.Coaches should shift from correction to curiosity, using guided discovery.Feedback should be specific, forward-focused, and affirming of effort and intent.Consistency and critical thinking are cornerstones of great coaching.Read Our BooksTake your coaching to the next level with our published resources, built to strengthen leadership, culture, and effectiveness in athletic programs:Impactful Coaching Project: Leading and Coaching the 21st Century Athlete A foundational guide for coaches seeking to lead with purpose, build relationships, and make lasting impact.Athletic Department Leadership: Athletic Department Leadership and Developing Coaches Ideal for administrators and program leaders, this book focuses on how to cultivate a strong coaching staff and program culture.About the Impactful Coaching ProjectThis episode is brought to you by the Impactful Coaching Project, the leading platform for developing coaches who lead with purpose, integrity, and a holistic approach.The project exists to help coaches:Coach the whole personBuild transformational team culturesLearn and apply the latest in research-based coaching strategiesAccess professional development, resources, and a growing coaching communitySubscribe & Learn More: impactfulcoachingproject.substack.comFollow us for updates, articles, and new episode releases.

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